May 2, 2010

Pre-Launch Checks

Launching a weather balloon is not any old weekend botch job – it requires very careful planning. Having been roused from my slumber at 0720 BST, it is time to run the pre-launch checks, ensuring we have the following:

Balloon – check

Yagi – check

GAFFA TAPE – CHECK

Cable ties – check

Bring extra batteries – check

Top up phone – check

Sheet to put on ground

Umbrella

Cameras – check

Free lift weights (water bottles) – check

3G Dongles – check

Car chargers for everything – check

Glue gun & Glue – check

Camera-activating Ruler – to turn the camera on once it’s in the box. Requires a long thin rod, like a ruler. – check